Areli אַרְאֵלִי
Son of Gad, grandson of Jacob
Who is Areli in the Bible?
Areli was a son of Gad and grandson of Jacob, mentioned in the genealogical records of ancient Israel. He appears in Genesis 46:16 as one of the descendants of Jacob who traveled to Egypt during the famine, and again in Numbers 26:17 as the founder of a clan within the tribe of Gad during the wilderness census. The census in Numbers was conducted to assess the military strength of each tribe and to prepare for the division of the Promised Land among the Israelites. Though little is known about Areli personally, his inclusion in these genealogical records underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Jacob that his descendants would become a great nation.
Biography
Areli is mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the sons of Gad, who was one of the twelve sons of Israel (or 'Jacob'). In Gen.46.16, Areli is listed among the descendants of Jacob who went down to Egypt during the time of famine. This genealogical record emphasizes the growth of the Israelite clan and the fulfillment of God's promise to make them a great nation.
Areli is also mentioned in the book of Numbers, during the census of the Israelites taken in the wilderness of Moab, near the end of their forty years of wandering. In Num.26.17, the descendants of Areli are listed as a clan within the tribe of Gad. This census was taken to determine the military strength of each tribe and to prepare for the allocation of the Promised Land among the tribes.
Apart from these mentions in the genealogical records and census, no further details about Areli's life or his descendants are provided in the biblical text. His inclusion in these lists highlights the continuity of the Israelite tribes and their growth as a nation, in fulfillment of God's promises to their forefathers.
Family
Siblings
- Ziphion Tribe of GadSon of GadSon of Gad, progenitor of the ZephonitesView full profile →
- Haggi Tribe of GadSon of GadSon of Gad, grandson of Jacob.View full profile →
- Shuni Tribe of GadSon of GadSon of Gad, ancestor of the Shunite clan.View full profile →
- Ezbon Tribe of BenjaminBenjamin warriorSon of Bela, grandson of Benjamin.View full profile →
- Eri Tribe of GadSon of GadSon of Gad; head of the Erite clan.View full profile →
- Arod Tribe of GadSon of GadSon of Gad and founder of the Arodite clanView full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 46:16
"The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli."
Study Genesis →
Numbers 1 verse
- Numbers 26:17
"the Arodite clan from Arod, and the Arelite clan from Areli."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אַרְאֵלִי |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | אַרְאֵלִי |